Mount for an optical structure having a grooved protruding member and method of mounting an optical structure using such mount

ABSTRACT

An improved mount for, and method of mounting, an optical structure having a grooved/relieved protruding member is provided. The mount may have the grooved/relieved protruding member extending from a surface of the optical structure, a base element for mounting the mount to another structure and an upper element extending from the base element having a first opening extending therethrough for receipt therein of at least a portion of the grooved/relieved member. The first opening defines first and second arms, each of the arms comprising a head portion and each of the head portions ending at an end. A second opening in the upper element extends through one of the head portions and the end thereof in a direction toward the other head portion, while a third opening exists in the upper element through the end of the other head portion in an orientation substantially opposite to and in communication with the second opening so that a tightening mechanism may be received through the second opening and the third opening. Tightening of the tightening mechanism into the third opening causes the ends of the head portions to draw toward each other so that the first opening of the upper element tightens around the at least a portion of the grooved/relieved protruding member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of mounts for optical structures,including but not limited to, reflective panels, optical filters(absorptive and/or dichroic), hollow retroreflectors and solidretroreflectors.

Optical structures such as, but not limited to, reflective panels(mirror panels), optical filters (absorptive and/or dichroic), hollowretroreflectors and solid retroreflectors are old in the art. Solidretroreflectors are solid cubes of glass wherein adjacent sides of thecube are substantially perpendicular to each other and three of thesides that meet at a common corner are polished to have a high degree offlatness. Hollow retroreflectors are made of three mirror panels joinedtogether preferably having optically flat reflective surfaces disposedat right angles to each other, and meeting at what can be described as acommon inside corner of an imaginary cube. Both solid and hollowretroreflectors in general have the essential property of causingincident and reflected light rays to travel along substantially parallelpaths.

When hollow retroreflectors are assembled for high accuracy andprecision it is important to maintain the mutual perpendicularity of thereflective surfaces and sometimes essential to ensure that theretroreflector as a whole does not move. The perpendicularity of thereflective surfaces is affected by external stresses. With regard tohigh accuracy and precise reflective panels, such as mirror panels to beused for high accuracy purposes, it is also important to try andmaintain as optically flat as possible the reflective surface of thepanel.

Examples of external stresses that can affect the optical flatness of areflective panel, an optical filter and/or the perpendicularity ofreflective surfaces of abutting reflective panels of a hollowretroreflector, are thermal expansion or contraction of the substratematerial from which the panels are made, deflection caused by curing ofthe adhesives used to join elements together and/or to join theretroreflector to its mount and/or the mass of the panels themselves.Accordingly, it would be desirable to assemble together the elements ofa hollow retroreflector or of an optical filter, and/or to assemble areflective panel to a mount, in such a manner as to reduce thesestresses. It would also be desirable that the manner of mounting anoptical filter, reflective panel(s) and/or a retroreflector to its mountnot add to these stresses, but nevertheless, securely retain the opticalfilter, reflective panel(s) and/or retroreflector on the mount. Examplesof hollow retroreflector mounts which have proven successful inmaintaining the reflective surfaces in their perpendicular orientationsare found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,977,765, to Morton S. Lipkins, 5,122,901,to Zvi Bleier, and 5,335,111, also to Bleier.

Additionally, any prior art mounts that may include flexible materialscannot, and do not, maintain the dimensional stability (“DS”) such thatvarious forces working on a connected optical structure may beconstantly changing the dimensions of that optical structure.

The present mount also achieves secure mounting of the optical structurein a manner designed to help eliminate deflective stresses on thereflective surface(s) of the structure caused by the mounting of theoptical structure, such as the optical filter, the reflective panel(s)and/or the retroreflector to its mount. One or more aspects of thepresent mount also achieve dimensional stability (“DS”) such that a“hard mount” is achieved. One or more further aspects of the presentinvention permit the hard mounts to maintain any provided degree offlatness (e.g., at least about λ/4, at least about λ/10, between aboutλ/4 and about λ/30, etc.) and more particularly, to maintain a highdegree of flatness (e.g., at least about λ/20, at least about λ/15,between about λ/15 and about λ/20, between about λ/15 and about λ/30,etc.) after the mount is constructed.

The mount also allows for easy and secure mounting of the opticalstructure onto a support structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, an improved mount for, and method ofmounting an optical structure is provided. The mount has a protrudingmember extending from a surface of the optical structure, a base elementhaving a mounting structure for mounting the mount to another structureand an upper element extending from the base element having a firstopening extending therethrough for receipt therein of at least a portionof the protruding member. The first opening defines first and secondarms, each of the arms comprising a head portion and each of the headportions ending at an end. A second opening in the upper element extendsthrough one of the head portions and the end thereof in a directiontoward the other head portion, while a third opening exists in the upperelement through the end of the other head portion in an orientationsubstantially opposite to and in communication with the second openingso that a tightening mechanism received through the second opening canbe received into the third opening. Tightening of the tighteningmechanism into the third opening causes the ends of the head portions todraw toward each other so that the first opening of the upper elementtightens around the at least a portion of the protruding member.

In accordance with at least another aspect of the invention, theprotruding member may have a first portion extending from a surface ofthe optical structure, a second portion, and a groove defining the firstand second portions on each side of the groove, thereby permitting thegroove and/or the protruding member to dissipate and/or eliminate one ormore stresses passing through the mount and affecting the opticalstructure. Tightening of the tightening mechanism into the third openingmay cause the ends of the head portions to draw toward each other sothat the first opening of the upper element tightens around the at leastsecond portion of the protruding member. The groove may be disposed onthe protruding member such that the first portion is smaller than thesecond portion. The groove may be constructed on the protruding membersuch that the groove is spaced away from the optical structure and islocated on the protruding member at a predetermined distance from theoptical structure and/or from the top surface of the protruding member.The first portion of the protruding member may be smaller, substantiallyequal to, or larger than the second portion of the protruding member.

The method of mounting the optical structure onto the mount is to forman optical structure having a reflective surface and a portion of themount comprising a protruding member extending from a back surface ofthe optical structure, wherein the protruding member is eitherintegrally formed with, or bonded to, the back surface of the opticalstructure. Forming the remainder of the mount comprising a base elementhaving a construction for allowing the mount to be mounted to anotherstructure, the mount further having an upper element having a firstopening extending therethrough, such first opening forming two arms eachhaving a head portion and ending at ends thereof. Sliding the firstopening of the mount over at least a portion of the protruding member.Tightening the first opening of the mount around the protruding memberby inserting a tightening mechanism into a second opening locatedthrough one of the head portions of the mount and by further insertingand tightening the tightening member into a third opening in the otherhead portion of the mount so that the tightening member draws the twoends of the head portions toward each other thereby contracting thefirst opening of the mount around the protruding member of the opticalstructure.

In accordance with at least an additional aspect of the invention, themethod of mounting the optical structure onto the mount is to form anoptical structure having a reflective surface and a portion of the mountcomprising a protruding member extending from a back surface of theoptical structure, wherein the protruding member is either integrallyformed with, or bonded to, the back surface of the optical structure.The protruding member may have a first portion extending from the backsurface of the optical structure, a second portion, and a groovedefining the first and second portions on each side of the groove,thereby permitting the groove and/or the protruding member to dissipateand/or eliminate one or more stresses passing through the mount andaffecting the optical structure. Tightening the first opening of themount around the at least second portion of the protruding member byinserting a tightening mechanism into a second opening located throughone of the head portions of the mount and by further inserting andtightening the tightening member into a third opening in the other headportion of the mount so that the tightening member draws the two ends ofthe head portions toward each other thereby contracting the firstopening of the mount around the at least second portion of theprotruding member of the optical structure. The groove may beconstructed in between the first and the second portions of theprotruding member such that the first portion is smaller than,substantially equal to and/or larger than the second portion. The groovemay be constructed on the protruding member such that the groove isspaced away from the optical structure and is located on the protrudingmember at a predetermined distance from the optical structure and/orfrom the top surface of the protruding member.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, at least oneembodiment of the mount, and similarly at least one embodiment of themethod of mounting, may further involve one or more reliefs (alsoreferred to as notches or depressions) that may be formed either in/on(e.g., in communication with, as part of, etc.) the perimeter of therecess of the mount or may be formed on/in/around the perimeter (e.g.,in communication with, as part of, etc.) in the bottom portion of theprotruding member, thereby reducing physical contact, and, thus, thetransfer of pressure or stresses/forces between the mount and theprotruding member. The one or more reliefs may be in communication withat least one of: (i) the first opening, the one or more reliefs beingpositioned in/on a perimeter of the first opening and the one or morereliefs operating to reduce physical contact between one or moresurfaces of the protruding member and one or more surfaces of the upperelement of the mount, thereby reducing and/or eliminating transfer ofone or more stresses between the upper element of the mount and theprotruding member; and (ii) at least the second portion of theprotruding member, the one or more reliefs being positioned in/on aperimeter of at least the second portion of the protruding member andthe one or more reliefs operating to reduce physical contact between oneor more surfaces of the protruding member and one or more surfaces ofthe upper element of the mount, thereby reducing and/or eliminatingtransfer of one or more stresses between the upper element of the mountand the protruding member. Preferably, the one or more reliefs areradial reliefs (e.g., extending from an outside surface inwardly towardsthe center of the protruding member, extending from an interior surfaceof the recess in the mount outwardly towards an outside surface of themount, etc.). The one or more reliefs may extend a predetermineddistance radially from the first opening towards an exterior of theupper element when the one or more reliefs are positioned in/on theperimeter of the first opening. Additionally or alternatively, the oneor more reliefs may extend a predetermined distance radially from the atleast second portion of the protruding member towards an interior of theprotruding member when the one or more reliefs are positioned in/on theperimeter of at least the second portion of the protruding member.

The present invention and one or more components thereof are operableand adaptable to be used in conjunction with any suitable optical mountincluding, but not limited to, U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/674,315, filed on Feb. 13, 2007, having the same assignee as thepresent application, which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improvedmount for an optical structure.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved mount for anoptical structure which causes minimal external stresses to thereflective surfaces of the optical structure.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved mountfor an optical structure wherein the mount achieves reductions inmovement of the optical structure in order to achieve higher-accuracydistance measurements.

Yet a further object of the invention is to provide an improved mountfor an optical structure wherein the mounting of the mount and opticalstructure to a support structure is easy and secure.

It is even a further object of the invention to provide an improvedmethod of mounting an optical structure using the improved mount.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in partbe apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purposes of illustrating the various aspects of the invention,wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there are shown in thedrawings simplified forms that may be employed, it being understood,however, that the invention is not limited by or to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown, but rather only by the claims.To assist those of ordinary skill in the relevant art in making andusing the subject matter hereof, reference is made to the appendeddrawings and figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a mount, optical structure andscrew, made in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the structures of FIG. 1 as joinedtogether;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a side view of the mount 10 of FIG. 1 along with anotherstructure having a threaded member extending therefrom in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a side view of an alternative embodiment for a mount having athreaded member extending therefrom along with another structure havinga threaded opening therethrough in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a roof mirror having a pin extendingtherefrom in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of amount, optical structure and screw, made in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the structures of FIG. 6 as joinedtogether;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of yet a further embodiment of a mount,optical structure comprising an optical filter and screw, in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the structures of FIG. 8;

FIGS. 10A-10F are cross-sectional views taken along the diameter ofvarious embodiments of the protruding member employing differentgeometrical shapes for the groove/relieved portion thereof in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of at least an additional aspect of theprotruding member having a groove spaced away from the opticalstructure, where the optical structure is shown in an exploded view fromthe protruding member, and used in tandem with a mount having radialreliefs spaced around, and in communication with, a recess of the mountin accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of at least an additional aspect of theprotruding member having a groove spaced away from the opticalstructure, where the optical structure is shown in an exploded view fromthe protruding member, and having radial reliefs disposed around abottom portion of the protruding member placed in recess of the mount inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 12A-12B are graphs illustrating the unexpected and criticalreduction and/or elimination of various forces/stresses on the opticalstructure by the experiment performed to compare the torque, and mirror(or optical) distortion resulting therefrom, affecting an opticalstructure having a protruding member without a groove (also referred toas a “Solid Post”; data shown in FIG. 12A) with the torque, and mirror(or optical) distortion resulting therefrom, affecting an opticalstructure having a protruding member with a groove (also referred to asa “Relieved Post”; data shown in FIG. 12B); and

FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating the unexpected and critical reductionand/or elimination of various forces/stresses on the optical structureby another experiment performed to compare the torque, and mirror (oroptical) distortion resulting therefrom, affecting an optical structurehaving a protruding member without a groove (also referred to as a“Solid Post”; data shown in curve 1300 of FIG. 13) with the torque, andmirror (or optical) distortion resulting therefrom, affecting an opticalstructure having a protruding member with a groove spaced away from theoptical structure (also referred to as a “Relieved Post”; data shown incurve 1310 of FIG. 13).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An improved mount for, and method of mounting, an optical structurehaving a grooved/relieved protruding member are disclosed herein. Themount may have the grooved/relieved protruding member extending from asurface of the optical structure, a base element for mounting the mountto another structure and an upper element extending from the baseelement having a first opening extending therethrough for receipttherein of at least a portion of the grooved/relieved member. The firstopening defines first and second arms, each of the arms comprising ahead portion and each of the head portions ending at an end. A secondopening in the upper element extends through one of the head portionsand the end thereof in a direction toward the other head portion, whilea third opening exists in the upper element through the end of the otherhead portion in an orientation substantially opposite to and incommunication with the second opening so that a tightening mechanism maybe received through the second opening and the third opening. Tighteningof the tightening mechanism into the third opening causes the ends ofthe head portions to draw toward each other so that the first opening ofthe upper element tightens around the at least a portion of thegrooved/relieved protruding member. With the grooved/relieved protrudingmember, the mount provides the aforementioned advantages of providing a“hard mount” with dimensional stability and a high degree of opticalflatness while also substantially reducing and/or eliminatingstresses/forces from affecting the connected optical structure.

Turning now to the details of the figures, FIG. 1 is an explodedperspective view of a mount in accordance with at least one aspect ofthe present invention. A mount for an optical structure made inaccordance with the invention is generally designated at 10 (best seenin FIGS. 1-2). In the particular case of the figures of thisapplication, the optical structure portrayed is that of a hollowretroreflector, which will hereinafter generally be designated in thefigures at 20. It is of course to be understood that other opticalstructures are anticipated to be compatibly used with mount 10,including but not limited to, roof mirrors (see e.g., roof mirror 520 ofFIG. 5), optical filters and/or individual refractive/reflective/mirrorpanels (see e.g., optical filter 820 of FIGS. 8-9), and/or solidretroreflectors (not shown).

Retroreflector 20 is preferably made of fused quartz or fine annealedPyrex (i.e., any type of borosilicate glass or glasses having a lowcoefficient of thermal expansion), while mount 10 is preferably made ofa metal alloy having a very low coefficient of thermal expansion, suchas INVAR (e.g., a nickel iron alloy having a low coefficient of thermalexpansion) or aluminum.

Hollow retroreflector 20 is comprised of a first panel 30, a secondpanel 40, and a third panel 50. Each of the panels 30, 40 and 50 has acorresponding reflective surface 32, 42 and 52. The higher the degree ofoptical flatness achieved in surfaces 32, 42 and 52 will in partdetermine the accuracy of the corresponding panels 30, 40 and 50. Panels30, 40 and 50 are disposed substantially at right angles to each otherso that reflective surfaces 32, 42 and 52 are also disposedsubstantially at right angles to each other. Each of panels 30, 40 and50 also has non-reflective, back surfaces 34, 44 and 54 which areopposite to reflective surfaces 32, 42 and 52.

As with all hollow retroreflectors, retroreflector 20 is designed toreceive an incoming (incident) light ray (not shown) and reflect thelight ray off of the reflective surfaces 32, 42 and 52 and out fromretroreflector 20 along a path substantially parallel to the incidentlight ray. Of course, the incident light ray can initially strike anyone of the reflective surfaces without bearing upon the accuracy of theparallelism of the reflected light ray. The accuracy tolerances forretroreflector 20 will almost always depend upon the function to beperformed by retroreflector 20. If high degrees of accuracy, i.e.,parallelism of the incident and reflected light rays, is a primarypurpose of retroreflector 20, then high degrees of precision must becreated and maintained with respect to the flatness of andperpendicularity of reflective surfaces 32, 42 and 52.

One construction for a hollow retroreflector is as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 3,663,084 to Morton S. Lipkins. If the construction shown inthe '084 patent is used herein, then each of panels 30, 40 and 50 ofhollow retroreflector 20 has at least first and second sides 36 and 38,46 and 48 and 56 and 58, respectively. The first and second sides ofeach of the panels are substantially perpendicular to each other and toeach of the other sides of the other panels. As is seen in the figures,particularly FIGS. 1-2, second side 48 of panel 40 is abutted againstand adhered to reflective surface 32 of panel 30, second side 38 ofpanel 30 is abutted against and adhered to reflective surface 52 ofpanel 50, and second side 58 of panel 50 is abutted against and adheredto reflective surface 42 of panel 40. Accordingly, each of panels 30, 40and 50 is simultaneously an abutting panel at second sides 38, 48 and58, and an adjacent panel at first sides 36, 46 and 56.

Turning now to a discussion of mount 10, it is seen from the figures(best seen in FIGS. 1-2, 4A, and 6-7) that mount 10 has an upper element60 and a base element 100.

As seen in the figures (best seen in FIGS. 1-2, 4A, and 6-7), baseelement 100 has extending therein an opening 110. Opening 110 preferablyextends through a bottom surface 112 of base 100, but may be placedanywhere on base 100. Opening 110 is preferably threaded to receive acorrespondingly threaded member (see e.g., threaded extending member 123of FIG. 4A) extending from some type of support structure (see e.g.,support structure 140 of FIG. 4A). However, it is also to be understoodthat instead of having opening 110, a base element 100 a having a bottomsurface 112 a may have an outwardly extending member (see e.g., threadedextending member 123 a of FIG. 4B) which would in turn be received intoa cooperating opening 110 a on a support structure (see e.g., supportstructure 140 a of FIG. 4B). In this instance also it is preferred thatthe extending member and support opening both be threaded to allow for amore secure connection between the two. Additionally, other mountingconstructions are intended to be encompassed in the invention, such asthe use of a clamp from the support structure to securely hold baseelement 100, 100 a, 100 b, other structural arrangements for the baseelement 100, 100 a, 100 b and the upper element 60, 60 a, 60 b (seee.g., FIGS. 8-9 further discussed below), as are other constructions.

Turning now to a discussion of upper element 60 of mount 10, it is seenin FIGS. 1-3 that in a preferred embodiment upper element 60 has anopening 62 extending therethrough. In the embodiment shown hereinopening 62 is circular and such a circular opening is preferred, but notmandatory, it being anticipated by the invention herein that opening 62may be any geometric shape. It is also seen that opening 62 of upperelement 60 creates two arms 64 and 65, each having a respective headportion 67 and 69. Head portion 67 ends at end 70, while head portion 69ends at end 72. Ends 70 and 72 do not touch and have a gap 68 extendingtherebetween. Through head 69 extends opening 74, through whichscrew/bolt/tightening mechanism 80 (also referred to as “element 80”) isreceived. Opening 74 extends completely through head 69 and end 72 ofhead 69. As is best shown in FIG. 3, a corresponding and communicatingopening 75 extends through end 70 of head 67, so that element 80 is ableto be received therein. Assuming element 80 is threaded and that atleast opening 75 is also threaded, then as element 80 is tightened intoopening 75, ends 70 and 72 are drawn together. As ends 70 and 72 drawtogether, opening 62 of element 60 becomes smaller; i.e., the diameterlessens, thereby creating a clamping force against protruding member 90of panel 30, discussed in more detail below. It is also to be understoodherein that some, or all of, opening 74 may be correspondingly threadedto receive element 80. Such a mount, and method for constructing same,is the subject of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/674,315, filed onFeb. 13, 2007, having the same assignee as the present application,which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

To help secure element 80 within the opening in end 70, all of, or atleast a portion of, opening 74 may also be correspondingly threaded. Inthe figures as shown, element 80 is a threaded bolt having an Alanwrench opening in its head for tightening and loosening element 80, asis known in the art. Other elements 80 are anticipated herein; such as,but not limited to, screws and/or bolts having Philips or flat headopenings. Other manners of tightening the clamping force of opening 62by bringing ends 70 and 72 together are also anticipated herein, theprimary inventive concept being the mounting of mount 10 through opening62 onto protruding member 90. As way of a further example, anotherembodiment of the invention may involve no element 80 and no gap 68between ends 70 and 72. Instead, opening 62 may be continuous and sizedso that a little adhesive applied between the outer surface 92 ofprotruding member 90 allows opening 62 to be adhered to surface 92.Tightening mechanism or element 80 may be made from any material knownto one skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, glass, metals,metal alloys, polymers, one or more materials having a low coefficientof thermal expansion, etc.

Turning now to a more detailed discussion of member 90 (also referred toas “protruding member 90” or “pin 90”), panel 30 may be formed such thatmember 90 is an integrally extending part of panel 30 or member 90 maybe a separate member that is bonded to back surface 34 of panel 30. Inthe preferred embodiment, bonding refers to fusing or adhering member 90to back surface 34 of panel 30. As seen in the figures (best seen inFIGS. 1-2), member 90 is circular in cross section to conform to opening62 of mount 10. However, as has been previously discussed, if opening 62takes a different shape, member 90 would take the same shape as that ofopening 62.

The method of mounting optical structure 20 onto mount 10 is to form anoptical structure having a reflective surface and a protruding memberextending from a back surface of the optical structure, wherein theprotruding member is either integrally formed from, or bonded to, theback surface of the optical structure. Forming a mounting member havinga base element having a construction for allowing the mounting member tobe mounted to another structure, the mounting member further having anupper element having a first opening extending therethrough, such firstopening forming two arms each having a head portion and ending at endsthereof such that the ends are preferably separated by a gaptherebetween at least when the mounting member is not attached to theoptical structure. Sliding the first opening of the mounting member overthe protruding member of the optical structure. Tightening the firstopening of the mounting member around the protruding member by insertinga tightening mechanism into a second opening located through one of thehead portions of the mounting member and by further inserting andtightening the tightening member into a third opening in the other headportion of the mounting member so that the tightening member draws thetwo ends of the head portions together thereby contracting the firstopening of the mounting member around the protruding member of theoptical structure. The tightening member preferably being a threadedbolt which is received into the third opening and the third opening alsobeing threaded. As previously stated above, the second opening of themounting member may also be threaded in whole or in part along itslength.

The manner of mounting described herein is an improvement over priormounting manners and is equally good, if not better, at preventingdistortion of reflective surface 32 (and therefore of reflectivesurfaces 42 and 52) so as to help maintain reflective surfaces 32, 42and 52 in their substantially flat and substantially perpendicularrelationship to each other. In particular, with the manner of mountingdescribed herein there are no distortional stresses applied onreflective surface 32 by either the securing forces exerted by thecontracting of first opening 62 around protruding member 90 or due tocontraction or expansion of the mounting member due to temperaturechange, or other reasons. In particular, due to the orientation ofprotruding member 90 to reflective surface 32 and further since any suchcontracting or distortional forces exerted on member 90 from themounting member are applied in directions/planes that are parallel toreflective surface 32, and not perpendicular to it, such forces willonly nominally, if at all, affect the optical flatness of surface 32.

It will also be seen that the manner of mounting described hereinachieves substantial rigidity between optical structure 20 and mount 10.Further, as described in the immediate above paragraph, the preferredlow coefficient of thermal expansion metal alloy material which makes upmount 10 significantly reduces the effects of thermalexpansion/contraction of mount 10 so as to substantially minimize theseeffects on the accuracy of optical structure 20.

In accordance with at least another aspect of the present invention, acritical, structural improvement to the aforementioned protruding member90 structure has been unexpectedly achieved by the modification of themember 90 to include a relief or groove to further dissipate pressure onany connected optical structure and to more optimally maintaindimensional stability of the optical structure, protruding member andmount assembly. As illustrated in FIGS. 6-7, the modified pin orprotruding member 90 a having an outer surface 92 a includes a relief orgroove 94 a such that a top surface 97 a (also referred to as a firstportion 97 a while the phrase “a first portion 97 a” may refer toanother portion, or a portion including the top surface 97 a of member90 a, e.g., the portion of member 90 a that is located above the secondportion 96 a discussed below) of the member 90 a that operates to beconnected (e.g., via fusing, adhering, bonding, etc.) to an opticalstructure, such as retroreflector 20, may be smaller than a lateralcross-section, such as bottom surface 98 a, of a base portion 96 a (alsoreferred to as a second portion 96 a) of the member 90 a that operatesto be located, and locked/tightened, within opening 62 of the mount 10.The first portion 97 a may, alternatively, be substantially the samesize as or larger than the second portion 96 a. Preferably, the groove94 a extends laterally along the protruding member 90 a and defines thefirst portion 97 a and the second portion 96 a on each side of thegroove 94 a. While bonding may be used, permanently fusing the pin 90,90 a having the groove 94 a to the bottom of the optical structure 20provides the advantage of eliminating the need for use of a bondingtechnique and, thus, enables a much more stable and durable mountingmethod for achieving a “hard mount” with dimensional stability and/ormaintaining a provided degree of optical flatness or a high degree ofoptical flatness.

There are various ways for the top surface 97 a to be “smaller” than thelateral cross-section, such as the bottom surface 98 a, (e.g., may bedone in such a way that the structural integrity of the protrudingmember 90, 90 a is preserved) including, but not limited to, the topsurface 97 a having a smaller surface area than the lateralcross-section, such as the bottom surface 98 a, the top surface 97 ahaving a smaller diameter than the lateral cross-section, such as thebottom surface 98 a, etc. Preferably, the diameter and/or the surfacearea of the top surface 97 a is substantially smaller than the diameterand/or the surface area of the lateral cross-section, such as the bottomsurface 98 a, such that the diameter of the top surface 97 a is equal toor lesser than about the diameter of the lateral cross-section, such asthe bottom surface 98 a, minus ten percent (10%). The groove 94 a may bevarious sizes. Preferably, the groove 94 a does not extend more thanabout 10% of the optical component size, or does not extend more thanabout 15% of the optical component size. For example, the groove 94 amay be about 50,000ths of an inch from a perimeter of the base portionof the protruding member 90, 90 a (e.g., the depth of the groove may be:(i) about 5% to about 15% from the outer diameter of the protrudingmember 90, 90 a (ii) about 10% to about 15% from the outer diameter ofthe protruding member 90, 90 a; etc.). For example, a 2 inch diameterpost 90, 90 a may have a groove 94 a that is about 200,000ths to about250,000ths of an inch from the outer diameter of the protruding member90, 90 a. Additionally or alternatively, the groove 94 may be spaced atleast one of: about 50,000ths of an inch from the optical structure 20;about 200,000ths to about 250,000ths of an inch from the opticalstructure 20; about 200,000ths of an inch from the optical structure;about 250,000ths of an inch from the optical structure 20; and about50,000ths of an inch to about 250,000ths of an inch from the opticalstructure 20. Preferably, an optical beam that enters the opticalstructure, such as retroreflector 20, is not larger than 3″ clearaperture. However, the optical beam may be larger than 3″ clear aperturein at least another embodiment. The groove 94 a and/or the member 90, 90a may be created by any method known to one skilled in the art,including, but not limited to, grinding, etching, laser etching,cutting, etc.

Preferably, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, thegroove 94 a of the protruding member 90 a elevates and/or spaces anyoptical structure, such as the retroreflector 20, connected thereto awayfrom the base portion 96 a of the member 90 a and/or the mount 10because the groove 94 a may comprise space in between the opticalstructure and at least one of: (i) the base portion 96 a of the member90 a and (ii) the mount 10. The groove 94 a may space the opticalstructure 20 away from the base portion 96 a and/or the mount 10 suchthat the optical structure, e.g., the retroreflector 20, does notdirectly contact a portion or surface of at least one of: the mount 10,the base portion 96 a of the member 90 a, the upper element 60 of themount 10 and the base element 100 of the mount 10. Such structure isconstructed to, and operates to: (i) concentrate any stress or forcefrom the mount 10 onto the member 90 a rather than directly onto theoptical structure 20; and (ii) reduce/dissipate and/or eliminate anyresulting stress or force from distorting, or otherwise affecting, theoptical structure 20. When the mount is assembled such that the topsurface 97 a of member 90 a is connected/fused to the optical structure20 and the base portion 96 a of the member 90 a is tightened/clampedwithin the upper element 60 of the mount 10, various types of stressesaffect the assembly, including, but not limited to, tightening/clampingstress in between arms 64 and 65 of the mount 10, stress fromrotation/tightening of the element 80 within mount 10, etc. However,because the member 90 a includes groove 94 a, such stresses that wouldotherwise be affecting the optical structure 20 more greatly are insteadsurprisingly and significantly dissipated/reduced and/or eliminated.

The aforementioned unexpected and critical reduction and/or eliminationof various forces/stresses on the optical structure is evidenced by theexperiment performed to compare the torque, and mirror (or optical)distortion resulting therefrom, affecting an optical structure having aprotruding member without a groove (also referred to as a “Solid Post”)(e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) with the torque, and mirror (or optical)distortion resulting therefrom, affecting an optical structure having aprotruding member with a groove (also referred to as a “Relieved Post”)(e.g., as shown in FIG. 6). The results of the experiment areillustrated in FIGS. 12A (i.e., “Solid Post” data) and 12B (i.e.,“Relieved Post” data). As shown in FIG. 12A for the “Solid Post”, themirror distortion (“P-V” or “peak-to-valley”) at a wavelength of 633nanometers (“nm”) ranged from about 0.2 P-V at a torque near zeroounce-force-inch (or “ozf-in”) (see data point 1201 on curve 1200 inFIG. 12A) to about 2.75 P-V at a torque greater than 80 ounce-force-inch(see data point 1203 on curve 1200 in FIG. 12A). At a torque value ofabout 32 to about 34 ounce-force-inch (e.g., about middle of the rangemeasured; see data point 1202 on curve 1200 in FIG. 12A), the mirrordistortion was measured at about 1.25 P-V.

In contrast, as shown in FIG. 12B for the “Relieved Post”, the mirrordistortion (“P-V” or “peak-to-valley”) at a wavelength of 633 nanometers(“nm”) ranged from about 0.2 P-V at a torque near zero ounce-force-inch(or “ozf-in”) (see data point 1211 on curve 1210 in FIG. 12B) to about0.25 P-V at a torque greater than 80 ounce-force-inch (see data point1213 on curve 1210 in FIG. 12B). At a torque value of about 32 to about34 ounce-force-inch (e.g., middle of the range measured; see data point1212 on curve 1210 in FIG. 12B), the mirror distortion was measured atabout 0.225 P-V.

The mount used for the “Solid Post” experiment (e.g., data shown in FIG.12A) is substantially similar or identical to, and is, therefore,representative of the mount depicted in FIG. 1 or variations thereof inaccordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. Similarly,the mount used for the “Relieved Post” experiment (e.g., data shown inFIG. 12B) is substantially similar or identical to, and is, therefore,representative of the mount depicted in FIG. 6 or variations thereof inaccordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. Indeed,the results of the “Solid Post” and “Relieved Post” experiment (e.g., asshown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, respectively) are representative of variousembodiments in accordance with one or more aspects of the presentinvention. While the experiment was performed at a wavelength of 633 nm,it is important to note that if the experiment was repeated at adifferent wavelength, the experimental data from that additionalexperiment would indicate the same relationship or correlation betweentorque and mirror distortion. Thus, these results: (i) illustratepractical conditions; (ii) are representative of general conditions forsuch optical structure mount assemblies; and (iii) also indicate thatthe addition of the groove is unique and achieves criticalresults/advantages, thereby supporting the groove modification as beingnovel and nonobvious.

The experimental data clearly indicates the critical improvement ofemploying a protruding member (or post) having a groove (or relief)instead of a protruding member (or post) without a groove (or relief).For example, when comparing the mirror distortions that occurred at thetwo torque values of about 32-34 ozf-in (i.e., about 1.25 P-V for SolidPost and about 0.225 P-V for Relieved Post; see data point 1202 in FIG.12A and data point 1212 in FIG. 12B, respectively) and greater than 80ozf-in (i.e., about 2.75 P-V for Solid Post and about 0.25 P-V; see datapoint 1203 in FIG. 12A and data point 1213 in FIG. 12B, respectively),the Solid Post assembly exhibited mirror distortions that were 555.55%greater and 1100% greater, respectively, than the mirror distortions ofthe Relieved Post assembly. Such results were quite surprising andgreater than any expected reduction in mirror distortions due to theaddition of the groove or relief, such as groove 94 a. Specifically, itis quite surprising that the distortion for the Relieved Post isconsistently and minimally/barely increasing from about 0.2 P-V (e.g.,at data point 1211 in FIG. 12B) to about 0.25 P-V (e.g., at data point1213 in FIG. 12B) across the entire range of torque applied whereas thedistortion for the Solid Post discussed above is much more erratic andincreases greatly from about 0.2 P-V (e.g., at data point 1201 in FIG.12A) to about 2.75 P-V (e.g., at data point 1203 in FIG. 12A) across thesame range of torque applied. Indeed, the results are of a significantstatistical and practical advantage because by making the subjectstructural change (i.e., by adding a groove or relief 94 a to theprotruding member or post 90 as shown in member 90 a of FIGS. 6-7),which is an inexpensive and unique modification, the stresses/forcesaffecting a connected optical structure are significantly reduced. Notonly are the results quite critical and significant statistically,thereby evidencing nonobviousness, but making such a modification isalso unique and nonobvious because those skilled in the art would bedeterred from making the subject modification. Specifically, thoseskilled in the art would be concerned with improving stability andstiffness of the optical mount assembly, and would, therefore, avoidcompromising the structural integrity of the protruding member, theoptical structure, the mount and/or the overall assembly by adding agroove, such as groove 94 a. Thus, making such a groove proceedscontrary to accepted wisdom in the field of optics, and further supportsthe unique, nonobvious nature of one or more aspects of the presentinvention.

Additionally, the use of the groove/relief 94 a provides an assembly forachieving dimensional stability and permits the hard mounts to maintainany provided degree of flatness (e.g., less than about λ/4; at leastabout λ/4, at least about λ/10, between about λ/4 and about λ/30,greater than λ/30, etc.) and more particularly, to maintain a highdegree of flatness (e.g., at least about λ/20, at least about λ/15,between about λ/15 and about λ/20, between about λ/15 and about λ/30,etc.) after the mount is constructed, especially when using any clampingforces, rotating forces (such as torque), etc.

In accordance with at least another embodiment of the present invention,the optical structure may comprise a mirror/reflective/refractive panelor an optical filter 820 having a protruding member 90 b as shown inFIGS. 8-9. The optical filter 820 may be a flat piece of glass, and theprotruding member 90 b may have a groove 94 b and a top surface 97 bsuch that the bottom surface 824 of the optical filter 820 sits on topof the top surface 97 b. The optical filter 820 may be connected (e.g.,via fusing, bonding, adhering, etc.) to the member 90 b, e.g., insimilar fashion to optical structure 20 being connected to the member90, 90 a as discussed above. As best seen in FIG. 9, the groove 94 b maybe fashioned geometrically to stop at top surface 97 b and twoextensions 81 a, 81 b may extend from the top surface 97 b of the member90 b to define a recess 82 therebetween. The recess 82 permits theoptical filter 820 to sit therein. Preferably, the optical filter 820 issufficiently located in the recess 82 to be properly positioned and/orcentered, e.g., in a centering mechanism, for the connection process tothe member 90 b, e.g., via fusing, adhering, etc. The extensions 81 a,81 b may be hemispherical in geometry (as shown in FIGS. 8-9), or may beany other geometry to maintain the principles and aspects of the presentinvention discussed herein. Preferably, the extensions 81 a, 81 b aresized and shaped such that they do not increase the surface area and/orthe diameter of the top surface 97 b that would exist if such extensions81 a, 81 b were not used. For example, a surface area and/or diameter ofthe combined areas of the top surface 83 a of the extension 81 a, thetop surface 83 b of the extension 81 b and the top surface 97 b of themember 90 b (i.e., the base of recess 82) that is shown in FIG. 9 may besubstantially the same or smaller than a surface area and/or diameter ofthe top surface 97 b that would exist without the use of the extensions81 a, 81 b (e.g., if the extensions 81 a, 81 b were removed or not used,the top surface 97 b may extend to the groove 94 b substantially allalong the perimeter of the groove 94 b). The extensions 81 a, 81 b maybe made of substantially similar material to that of member 90 b and maybe connected such that the extensions become integral thereto (e.g., viafusing). Also, the extensions 81, 81 b may be adhered to, connected toor fused to the member 90 b without being integral thereto.Alternatively, as similarly discussed above for the members 90, 90 a,the member 90 b and/or the groove 94 b thereof may be created by anymethod known to one skilled in the art, including, but not limited to,grinding, etching, laser etching, cutting, etc. In at least oneembodiment, the member 90 b may be created, e.g., via etching, grinding,cutting, etc., such that the groove 94 b and the extensions 81 a, 81 bare already integral thereto (e.g., the groove 94 b and the extensions81 a, 81 b may be etched from a large piece that is sized and shaped toform the member 90 b).

The member 90 b may be connected (e.g., via clamping, tightening, etc.)to a mount 10 b, e.g., in similar fashion to member 90, 90 a beingconnected to mount 10, 10 a as discussed above. Indeed, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that the elements (e.g., upper element 60 b;opening 62 b; arms 64 b, 65 b; head portions 67 b, 69 b; ends 70 b, 72 bof head portions 67 b, 69 b; opening 74 b; base element 100 b; opening110 b in the base element 100 b; etc.) of the mount 10 b may operate insimilar fashion to those like-numbered elements (e.g., substantiallysame numbers but with a letter such as 10 and 10 a, 96 and 296 discussedbelow, etc.) of mounts 10, 10 a as discussed above or any additionallike-numbered elements discussed further herein below. For example, atightening mechanism 80 b (which may operate in a similar fashion astightening mechanism 80) may be screwed into aperture 74 b such thatends 70 b, 72 b of heads 67 b, 69 b of arms 64 b, 65 b, respectively,are drawn together around at least a portion, e.g., base portion 96 b,of the member 90 b when the member 90 b is placed into opening 62 b ofupper element 60 b of the mount 10 b.

Additionally, the mount 10 b may be connected to another structure(e.g., another structure 140 as shown in FIG. 4A, another structure 140a as shown in FIG. 4B, etc.) via an element (e.g., a pin; an extendingmember, such as the extending member 123 of FIG. 4A or the extendingmember 123 a of FIG. 4B; etc.) extending through the opening 110 b oropening 115 of the base element 100 b. Additionally or alternatively,the mount 10 b may include a base element 100 b extending from the upperelement 60 b and having a relatively smaller volume than the volume ofthe upper element 60 b such that the base element may be easilyconnected, e.g. via clamping, compressing, etc. to another structure.Such a structure may lessen the force/stress on the optical filter glass820 because any clamping, compressing, etc. of the base element 100 b islimited by the reduced/smaller volume of the base element 100 b. Thebase element 100 b and the upper element 60 b may be connected such thatthe base element 100 b and the upper element 60 b are substantiallyco-linear and/or co-planar (e.g., the base element 100 b extends fromthe upper element 60 b at substantially an angle of about 180 degrees).Additionally or alternatively, the base element 100 b may include anygeometric shape, e.g., the surfaces are chamfered, sloped, tapered,etc., such that the surface of the base element 100 b that is ultimatelyclamped or otherwise connected to another structure is reduced.Alternatively, the base element 100 b and the upper element 60 b may beconnected at an angle in similar fashion to the upper element 60, 60 aand the base element 100, 100 a as discussed above and shown in FIGS.1-2 and 4A-4B.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, thegroove/relief 94 a, 94 b of the protruding member 90 a, 90 b may be anygeometric shape, including, but not limited to, circular, ovular,rectangular, square-shaped, etc., and may include slopes, chamferedsurfaces, tapers, etc. For example, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS.6-7, the embodiment of FIGS. 8-9 and FIG. 10A, the groove 94 a, 94 b mayextend circularly around the perimeter of the member 90 a, 90 b and isformed at substantially a right angle such that the outer surface 92 a,92 b of the member 90 a, 90 b extends inward (e.g., substantiallyparallel to the top 97 a, 97 b and bottom surfaces 98 a, 98 b of themember 90 a, 90 b) from the top of the base portion 96 a, 96 b and thenextends vertically substantially at a right angle or perpendicular tothe top surface 97 a, 97 b and bottom surface 98 a, 98 b of the member90 a, 90 b.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 10B-10E, a groove, such as grooves 94a, 94 b of any protruding member, such as protruding members 90 a, 90 b,may employ different geometrical shapes for the groove/relieved portionthereof in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 10B, the groove 94 c is formed from achamfered surface having a consistent slope extending from the baseportion 96 c of the member 90 c to the top surface 97 c thereof. Thegroove 94 c may extend substantially around the perimeter of the member90 c. As shown in FIG. 10C, the groove 94 d is formed from a chamferedsurface having a changing convex slope extending from the base portion96 d of the member 90 d to the top surface 97 d thereof. The groove 94 dmay extend substantially around the perimeter of the member 90 d.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10D, the chamfered surface may have aconcave slope extending from the base portion 96 e of member 90 e to thetop surface 97 e thereof. The groove 94 e may extend substantiallyaround the perimeter of the member 90 e. Additionally, as shown in FIG.10E, the chamfered surface may have a concave slope extending from thebase portion 96 f of member 90 f to the top surface 97 f thereof suchthat the surface area and/or diameter of the top surface 97 f may havesubstantially the same surface area and/or diameter of a lateralcross-section of the base portion 96 f Several lateral cross-sections ofthe member 90 f that are located above the base portion 96 f may have asurface area and/or diameter that are smaller than the surface areaand/or diameter of the lateral cross-section of the base portion 96 fAdditionally, the volume of the portion of the member 90 f located abovethe base portion 96 f may be smaller than the volume of the base portion96 f The groove 94 f may extend substantially around the perimeter ofthe member 90 f. While it is preferred that the geometry of the groove94 a-f corresponds to the geometry of the member 90 a-f and the opening62, 62 b (e.g., if the opening 62, 62 b and the member 90 a-f arecircular, then the groove 94 a-f may be circular such that the groove 94a-f extends circularly substantially around the perimeter of the member90 a-e), it is not mandatory. For example, even if the opening 62, 62 band the member 90 a-f are circular, the groove 94 a-f may be ovular,rectangular, form pillars on top of the base portion 96 a-f of themember 90 a-f (e.g., such that the top of the member 90 a-f resembles a“button” when viewed from above), etc.

Additionally or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10F, a groove, such asgroove 294 of any protruding member, such as protruding member 290, 290a, 290 b, may be spaced away from the top surface 297 of the protrudingmember, and is, therefore, spaced away from any optical structure, suchas optical structure 20 (e.g., the bottom surface 34 of the opticalelement 30 of the optical structure 20), that may be attached to the topsurface 297 thereof. The groove 294 may employ different geometricalshapes for the groove/relieved portion thereof in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present invention. For example, as shown in theembodiments of FIGS. 11A and 11B (discussed further below) and in FIG.10F, the groove 294 may extend circularly around the perimeter of themember 290, 290 a, 290 b and may be formed at substantially a rightangle such that the outer surface 292 of the member 290, 290 a, 290 bextends inward (e.g., substantially parallel to the top 297 and bottomsurface 298 of the member 290, 290 a, 290 b) from the top of the baseportion 296, 296 a, 296 b and then extends vertically at substantially aright angle or perpendicular to the top surface 297 and bottom surface298 of the member 290, 290 a, 290 b. Then, the outer surface 292 extendsoutwardly at substantially a right angle or perpendicular to the topsurface 297 and the bottom surface 298. Once the outer surface hasextended outwardly to the point where the diameter of the portion (e.g.,top portion 211 as discussed further below with reference to FIGS.11A-11B) of the member 290, 290 a, 290 b above the groove 294 issubstantially equal to (although, alternatively, such an extension mayoccur where the diameter of the portion of the member 290, 290 a, 290 bis smaller than or larger than) the diameter of the bottom portion 296,296 a, 296 b, then the surface 292 extends vertically for apredetermined distance at substantially a right angle or perpendicularto the top surface 297 and bottom surface 298. Once the surface 292extends for the predetermined distance, the surface extends inward againsuch that the surface 292 defines the top surface 297 of the member 290,290 a, 290 b. Preferably, the top surface 297 is substantially parallelto the bottom surface 298 of the member 290, 290 a, 290 b. Thisstructure provides, and defines, a portion (e.g., top portion 211 asdiscussed further below with reference to FIGS. 11A-11B) of the member290, 290 a, 290 b that is located above the groove 294 where thatportion may be smaller than (as shown in FIG. 10F), substantially equalto, or larger than the bottom portion 296, 296 a, 296 b. Alternatively,the groove 294 of the member 290, 290 a, 290 b may have a chamfered orconcave slope as similarly shown for the groove 94 c-94 f in FIGS.10B-10E. Preferably, the top surface 297 has a surface area and/ordiameter that is substantially the same as the surface area and/ordiameter of a lateral cross-section of the base portion 296, 296 a, 296b or of the bottom surface 298 of the member 290, 290 a, 290 b.Preferably, one or more lateral cross-sections of the portion (e.g., topportion 211 as shown in FIGS. 11A-11B) of the member 290, 290 a, 290 blocated between the groove 294 and the top surface 297 have a surfacearea and/or diameter that is substantially the same as the surface areaand/or diameter of a lateral cross-section of the base portion 296, 296a, 296 b or of the bottom surface 298 of the member 290, 290 a, 290 b.Preferably, the volume of the portion (e.g., top portion 211 as shown inFIGS. 11A-11B) of the member 290, 290 a, 290 b located between thegroove 294 and the top surface 297 has a volume that is smaller than thevolume of the bottom portion 296, 296 a, 296 b. Additionally oralternatively, the surface area (of the entire portion, such as the topportion 211, or of one or more lateral cross-sections of the portion,such as the top portion 211), the diameter and/or the volume of theportion of the member 290, 290 a, 290 b located between the groove 294and the top surface 297 may be smaller than, equal to or larger than thesurface area (of the entire bottom portion 296, 296 a, 296 b or of oneor more lateral cross-sections of the bottom portion 296, 296 a, 296 b),the diameter and/or the volume of the bottom portion 296, 296 a, 296 bof the member 290, 290 a, 290 b.

While it is preferred that the geometry of the groove 294 corresponds tothe geometry of the member 290, 290 a, 290 b and the opening 62, 62 b,62 c, 62 d (e.g., if the opening 62, 62 b, 62 c, 62 d and the member290, 290 a, 290 b are circular, then the groove 294 may be circular suchthat the groove 294 extends circularly substantially around theperimeter of the member 290, 290 a, 290 b), it is not mandatory. Forexample, even if the opening 62, 62 b, 62 c, 62 d and the member 290,290 a, 290 b are circular, the groove 294 may be ovular, rectangular,form pillars on top of the base portion 296, 296 a, 296 b of the member290, 290 a, 290 b (e.g., such that the top of the member 290, 290 a, 290b resembles a “button” when viewed from above), etc.

In accordance with at least another embodiment of the present invention,a groove, such as groove 294 or groove 94 a-94 f, of a protruding member290, 290 a, 290 b may be shifted or spaced away from an opticalstructure, such as the optical structure 20, connected to the protrudingmember 290, 290 a, 290 b as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11A-11B. By shiftingaway (or spacing away) the groove 294 from the optical structure 20(e.g., the groove 294 may be disposed at a location along the protrudingmember 290, 290 a, 290 b that is at a predetermined distance from asurface of the protruding member 290, 290 a, 290 b that is in contactwith the optical structure, such as optical structure 20), any pressureor stresses (e.g., sheer forces, rotational forces, compression forces,etc.) that would normally pass through the protruding member 290, 290 a,290 b and to the optical structure 20 (e.g., when a post or protrudingmember does not include a groove) are instead substantially concentratedand/or localized at the groove 294, thereby substantially reducingand/or eliminating such pressure or stresses from affecting the opticalstructure 20. The location where the pressure or stresses are localized(e.g., at groove 294) may be located further away from the opticalstructure 20 (e.g., as compared to an assembly having a groove closer tothe optical structure, such as, but not limited to, the assembly ofFIGS. 6-7, the assembly of FIGS. 8-9, etc.). Preferably, when the groove294 is spaced away from the optical structure 20 (e.g., the groove islocated substantially near or in the middle of the protruding member290, 290 a, 290 b; the groove 294 may be disposed at a location alongthe protruding member 290, 290 a, 290 b that is at a predetermineddistance from a surface of the protruding member 290, 290 a, 290 b thatis in contact with the optical structure 20; the groove 294 is locatedtowards the mount 210 a, 210 b rather than towards the optical structure20; the groove 294 is not directly adjacent to the optical structure 20;the groove is located towards the optical structure 20 rather thantowards the mount 210 a, 210 b; etc.), the groove 294 defines a firstportion 211 (also referred to as “a top portion 211”) that connects tothe optical structure 20 and a second portion 296, 296 a, 296 b (alsoreferred to as “a bottom portion 296, 296 a, 296 b”) that is disposedwithin a recess 62 c, 62 d of the mount 210 a, 210 b as best seen inFIGS. 11A-11B. Preferably, the groove 294 extends laterally along theprotruding member 290, 290 a, 290 b and defines the first portion 211and the second portion 296, 296 a, 296 b on each side of the groove 294.The first portion 211 may be sized and shaped to be smaller,substantially the same size and/or larger than the second portion 296,296 a, 296 b. Regardless of the size and shape of the first portion 211to the second portion 296, 296 a, 296 b, the groove 294 operates tosubstantially reduce and/or eliminate pressure or stresses affecting theoptical structure 20.

The groove 294 may be formed (e.g., sized and shaped) and may operate toachieve the advantages, surprising results, and unique, nonobviousproperties as similarly explained above with respect to the grooves 94a-94 f (as shown in FIGS. 10A-10E). For example, the groove 294 mayoperate to: (i) concentrate any stress or force from the mount 210 a,210 b onto the member 290, 290 a, 290 b rather than directly onto theoptical structure 20; (ii) reduce/dissipate and/or eliminate anyresulting stress or force from distorting, or otherwise affecting, theoptical structure 20; and may preserve and/or maintain the providedflatness, such as, but not limited to, a high degree of flatness asdiscussed herein. When the mount is assembled such that the top portion211 of the member 290, 290 a, 290 b is connected/fused to the opticalstructure 20 (e.g., connected/fused to the bottom surface 34 of theoptical element 30 of the optical structure 20) and the base portion296, 296 a, 296 b of the member 290, 290 a, 290 b is tightened/clampedwithin the recess 62 c, 62 d of the mount 210 a, 210 b, various types ofstresses affect the assembly, including, but not limited to,tightening/clamping stress in the mount 210 a, 210 b, stress fromrotation/tightening of the element 80 within mount 210 a, 210 b, etc.However, because the member 290, 290 a, 290 b includes the groove 294,such stresses that would otherwise be affecting the optical structure 20more greatly are instead surprisingly and significantlydissipated/reduced and/or eliminated.

The aforementioned unexpected and critical reduction and/or eliminationof various forces/stresses on the optical structure is evidenced by theadditional experiment performed to compare the torque, and mirror (oroptical) distortion resulting therefrom, affecting an optical structurehaving a protruding member without a groove (also referred to as a“Solid Post”) (e.g., similar to the structure as shown in FIG. 1) withthe torque, and mirror (or optical) distortion resulting therefrom,affecting an optical structure having a protruding member with a groovespaced away from an optical structure (also referred to as a “RelievedPost”) (e.g., as shown in FIG. 11A but with the optical structure 20(e.g., the bottom surface 34 of the optical element 30 of the opticalstructure 20) connected to the top surface 297 of the protruding member290 a, FIG. 11B but with the optical structure 20 (e.g., the bottomsurface 34 of the optical element 30 of the optical structure 20)connected to the top surface 297 of the protruding member 290 b, FIG.11A but with the optical structure 20 (e.g., the bottom surface 34 ofthe optical element 30 of the optical structure 20) connected to the topsurface 297 of the protruding member 290 a and without the reliefs 220a, FIG. 11B but with the optical structure 20 (e.g., the bottom surface34 of the optical element 30 of the optical structure 20) connected tothe top surface 297 of the protruding member 290 b and without thereliefs 220 b, etc.). The results of the experiment are illustrated inFIG. 13 and in the table as follows:

Solid Relieved in-oz Post Post Torque PV PV 0 0.294 0.142 16 0.286 0.14424 0.541 0.162 32 0.832 0.159 40 1.005 0.177 48 1.162 0.168 60 1.53 0.1680 1.859 0.198 100 2.361 0.2

As shown from the “Solid Post” curve 1300 in FIG. 13, the mirrordistortion (“P-V” or “peak-to-valley”) ranged from about 0.294 P-V at atorque of zero inch-ounces (or “in-oz”) (see data point 1301 on curve1300 in FIG. 13) to about 2.361 P-V at a torque of 100 inch-ounces (seedata point 1303 on curve 1300 in FIG. 13). At a torque value of 48inch-ounces (e.g., about middle of the range measured), the mirrordistortion was measured at 1.162 P-V (see data point 1302 on curve 1300in FIG. 13).

In contrast, as shown from the “Relieved Post” curve 1310 in FIG. 13,the mirror distortion (“P-V” or “peak-to-valley”) ranged from about0.142 PN at a torque of zero inch-ounces (or “in-oz”) (see data point1311 on curve 1310 in FIG. 13) to about 0.2 P-V at a torque of 100inch-ounces (see data point 1313 on curve 1310 in FIG. 13). At a torquevalue of 48 inch-ounces (e.g., middle of the range measured), the mirrordistortion was measured at about 0.168 P-V (see data point 1312 on curve1310 in FIG. 13).

The mount used for the “Solid Post” experiment (e.g., results of whichare illustrated via curve 1300 in FIG. 13) is substantially similar oridentical to, and is, therefore, representative of the mount depicted inFIG. 1 or variations thereof in accordance with one or more aspects ofthe present invention. Similarly, the mount used for the “Relieved Post”experiment (e.g., results of which are illustrated via curve 1310 inFIG. 13) is substantially similar or identical to, and is, therefore,representative of the mount(s) depicted in FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B orvariations thereof (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 11A-11B but with the opticalstructure 20 (e.g., the bottom surface 34 of the optical element 30 ofthe optical structure 20) connected to the top surface 297 of theprotruding member 290 a, 290 b and without the reliefs 220 a, 220 b) inaccordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. Indeed,the results of the “Solid Post” and “Relieved Post” experiment (e.g., asillustrated via curves 1300 and 1310, respectively, in FIG. 13) arerepresentative of various embodiments in accordance with one or moreaspects of the present invention. Thus, these results: (i) illustratepractical conditions; (ii) are representative general conditions whendealing with such optics; and (iii) also indicate that the addition ofthe groove is unique, achieves critical results/advantages, therebysupporting the groove modification as being novel and nonobvious.

The experimental data clearly indicates the critical improvement ofemploying a protruding member (or post) having a groove (or relief)spaced away from an optical structure instead of a protruding member (orpost) without a groove (or relief). For example, when comparing themirror distortions that occurred at the two torque values of 48inch-ounces (i.e., about 1.162 P-V for Solid Post and about 0.168 P-Vfor Relieved Post with spaced away groove; see data point 1302 of curve1300 in FIG. 13 and data point 1312 of curve 1310 in FIG. 13,respectively) and 100 in-oz (i.e., about 2.361 P-V for Solid Post andabout 0.2 P-V for Relieved Post with spaced away groove; see data point1303 of curve 1300 in FIG. 13 and data point 1313 of curve 1310 in FIG.13, respectively), the Solid Post assembly exhibited mirror distortionsthat were about 692% greater and 1180.5% greater, respectively, than themirror distortions of the Relieved Post assembly with the spaced awaygroove. Such results were quite surprising and greater than any expectedreduction in mirror distortions due to the addition of the groove, wherethe groove was spaced away from the optical structure 20. Specifically,it is quite surprising that the distortion for the Relieved Post isconsistently and minimally/barely increasing from about 0.142 P-V toabout 0.2 P-V (see curve 1310 in FIG. 13) across the entire range oftorque applied whereas the distortion for the Solid Post discussed aboveis much more erratic and increases greatly, especially beyond 16inch-ounces and towards the higher end of the torque applied, from about0.294 P-V to about 2.361 P-V (see curve 1300 in FIG. 13). Indeed, theresults are of a significant statistical and practical advantage becauseby making the subject structural change (i.e., by adding a groove orrelief 294 to the protruding member or post 290, 290 a, 290 b that isspaced away from the optical structure 20 as shown in FIG. 10 and FIGS.11A-11B but with the optical structure 20 (e.g., the bottom surface 34of the optical element 30 of the optical structure 20) connected to thetop surface 297 of the protruding member 290 a, 290 b), which is aninexpensive and unique modification, the stresses/forces affecting aconnected optical structure, such as optical structure 20, aresignificantly reduced. Not only are the results quite critical andsignificant statistically, thereby evidencing nonobviousness, but makingsuch a modification is also unique and nonobvious because those skilledin the art would be deterred from making the subject modification. Asexplained above, those skilled in the art would be concerned withimproving stability and stiffness of the optical mount assembly, andwould, therefore, avoid compromising the structural integrity of theprotruding member, the optical structure, the mount and/or the overallassembly by adding such a groove. Thus, making such a groove proceedscontrary to accepted wisdom in the field of optics, and further supportsthe unique, nonobvious nature of one or more aspects of the presentinvention.

In accordance with at least another embodiment of the present invention,one or more reliefs 220 a, 220 b (also referred to as notches ordepressions 220 a, 220 b) may be disposed/formed either in/on (e.g., incommunication with, as part of, etc.) the perimeter of the recess 62 cof the mount 210 a (best seen in FIG. 11A) or may be formed on/in/aroundthe perimeter (e.g., in communication with, as part of, etc.) of thebottom portion, such as bottom portion 296 b, of the protruding member,such as protruding member 290 b (best seen in FIG. 11B), therebyreducing physical contact, and, thus, the transfer of pressure orstresses/forces, between the mount 210 a, 210 b and the protrudingmember 290, 290 a, 290 b. Preferably, the one or more reliefs or notchescomprise radial reliefs/notches 220 a, 220 b. Preferably, thereliefs/notches 220 a, 220 b are constructed (e.g., sized, shaped, etc.)in/on the protruding member 290 b and/or in/on the mount 210 a such thatthe reliefs/notches 220 a, 220 b permit the gaps 68 c, 68 d to functionwithout interference (e.g., the gaps 68 c, 68 d may performsubstantially similar or identical to gaps 68, 68 b as discussed above).The reliefs/notches 220 a, 220 b may be created by any method known toone skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, grinding,etching, laser etching, cutting, etc.

The member 290, 290 a, 290 b may be connected (e.g., via clamping,tightening, etc.) to a mount 210 a, 210 b, e.g., in similar fashion tomember 90, 90 a, 90 b being connected to mount 10, 10 a, 10 b asdiscussed above. Indeed, those skilled in the art will appreciate thatthe elements (e.g., upper portion 211; bottom portion 296, 296 a, 296 b;groove 294; opening 62 c, 62 d; opening 212 a, 212 b of mount 210 a, 210b; etc.) of the protruding member 290, 290 a, 290 b and/or mount 210 a,210 b may operate in similar or identical fashion to those respectiveelements of the protruding members 90 a-90 f (such as, but not limitedto upper surface 97 a-97 f; bottom portion 96 a-96 f; groove 94 a-94 f;etc.) and/or of the mounts 10, 10 a, 10 b (such as, but not limited toopening 62, 62 b; opening 74, 74 b; opening 110; etc.) as discussedabove or any additional like-numbered elements discussed further hereinbelow.

Additionally, the mount 210 a, 210 b may be connected to anotherstructure as discussed above (e.g., another structure 140 as shown inFIG. 4A, another structure 140 a as shown in FIG. 4B, etc.) via anelement (e.g., a pin; an extending member, such as the extending member123 of FIG. 4A or the extending member 123 a of FIG. 4B; etc.) extendingthrough the opening 212 a, 212 b of the mount 210 a, 210 b. Additionallyor alternatively, the mount 210 a, 210 b may include a base element,such as base element 100 b shown in FIGS. 8-9, such that the baseelement may be easily connected, e.g. via clamping, compressing, etc. toanother structure. Such structure may lessen the force/stress on theoptical structure 20 attached to the mount 210 a, 210 b.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those madeapparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, and,since numerous/certain changes may be made in the above constructionswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description and shown inthe accompanying drawings shall only be interpreted as illustrative andnot in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended tocover all of the generic and specific features of the invention hereindescribed, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as amatter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

1. A mount for an optical structure, comprising: a protruding memberhaving a first portion extending from a surface of said opticalstructure, a second portion, and a groove defining said first and secondportions of said protruding member on each side of said groove, saidgroove of said protruding member being constructed to dissipate and/oreliminate one or more stresses passing through said mount and affectingsaid optical structure; a base element having a mounting structure formounting said mount to another structure; an upper element extendingfrom said base element having a first opening extending therethrough forreceipt therein of at least said second portion of said protrudingmember, said first opening defining first and second arms, each of saidarms comprising a head portion and each of said head portions ending atan end; a second opening in said upper element extending through one ofsaid head portions and said end of said one of said head portions in adirection toward said other head portion; and a third opening in saidupper element through said end of said other head portion wherein saidthird opening is substantially opposite said second opening so that atightening mechanism received through said second opening can bereceived into said third opening; wherein tightening of said tighteningmechanism into said third opening causes said ends of said head portionsof said first and second arms of said upper element to draw toward eachother so that said first opening of said upper element tightens aroundsaid at least said second portion of said protruding member.
 2. Themount as recited in claim 1, wherein said ends of said head portions donot touch each other thereby defining a gap therebetween.
 3. The mountas recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and saidsecond portions of said protruding member is at least one of: (i) havinga substantially circular shape; and (ii) being of any geometric shape.4. The mount as recited in claim 1, wherein said first portion of saidprotruding member is smaller than said second portion of said protrudingmember.
 5. The mount as recited in claim 4, wherein said first portionof said protruding member has a surface that is in contact with saidsurface of said optical structure and said surface of said first portionof said protruding member has at least one of: (i) a smaller diameterthan a lateral cross-section and/or a bottom surface of said secondportion of said protruding member that is disposed in said first openingof said upper element; and (ii) a smaller surface area than a lateralcross-section and/or a bottom surface of said second portion that isdisposed in said first opening of said upper element.
 6. The mount asrecited in claim 4, wherein said first portion of said protruding memberhas a smaller volume than said second portion of said protruding member.7. The mount as recited in claim 1, said third opening being threadedfor receipt therein of a correspondingly threaded end of said tighteningmechanism.
 8. The mount as recited in claim 7, at least a portion ofsaid second opening being threaded.
 9. The mount as recited in claim 1,said upper element and said base element being integrally formed,wherein said base element extends from said upper element at an anglesuch that said base element and said upper element are at least one of:not substantially co-linear and/or co-planar; and substantiallyco-linear and/or co-planar.
 10. The mount as recited in claim 9, saidintegrally formed upper and base elements of said mount being a metalalloy having a low coefficient of thermal expansion comprising at leastone of aluminum and a nickel iron alloy having a low coefficient ofthermal expansion.
 11. The mount as recited in claim 9, wherein saidbase element is at least one of: any geometric shape, any geometricshape such that said base element has a smaller volume than said upperelement, chamfered, sloped and tapered.
 12. The mount as recited inclaim 1, wherein said groove is at least one of: (i) a space betweensaid optical structure and at least one of said second portion of saidprotruding member and said upper element of said mount such that saidoptical structure is spaced away from said at least one of said secondportion of said protruding member and said upper element; and (ii)operating to achieve and/or maintain at least one of: dimensionalstability, a predetermined degree of flatness and a high degree offlatness of at least one of: about λ/10, about λ/15, about λ/20, aboutλ/30, between about λ/10 and about λ/15, between about λ/10 and aboutλ/20, between about λ/10 and about λ/30, between about λ/15 and aboutλ/20, between about λ/15 and about λ/30 and between about λ/20 and aboutλ/30.
 13. The mount as recited in claim 1, wherein said opticalstructure is taken from the group consisting of: one or more hollowretroreflectors, one or more solid retroreflectors, one or more mirrorpanels, one or more optical filters and one or more roof mirrors. 14.The mount as recited in claim 13, said optical structure comprising atleast one mirror panel having a reflective surface and a back surface,said back surface extending in a plane substantially parallel to a planeof said reflective surface.
 15. The mount as recited in claim 14, saidprotruding member is at least one of: (i) integrally formed with saidback surface of said at least one mirror panel; and (ii) bonded to saidback surface of said at least one mirror panel.
 16. The mount as recitedin claim 14, wherein said bonding of said protruding member to said backsurface is at least one of: fusing and adhering.
 17. The mount asrecited in claim 14, said protruding member and said optical structurebeing made of fused quartz or any type of annealed borosilicate glassand/or glasses having a low coefficient of thermal expansion.
 18. Themount as recited in claim 1, wherein said groove of said protrudingmember extends along and/or in communication with a perimeter of saidfirst portion of said protruding member and is at least one of: (i)having a substantially circular shape; and (ii) being of any geometricshape.
 19. The mount as recited in claim 1, wherein said groove of saidprotruding member includes at least one of: one or more right angles,one or more slopes, one or more chamfered surfaces having a consistentslope, one or more chamfered surfaces having a changing convex slope,one or more chamfered surfaces having a changing concave slope, and oneor more tapers.
 20. The mount as recited in claim 1, wherein said grooveis formed at substantially a right angle such that a first portion of anouter surface of said protruding member extends from said second portionof said protruding member inwardly substantially parallel to saidsurface of said first portion of said protruding member and a secondportion of said outer surface of said protruding member extends from thefirst portion of said outer surface vertically substantially at a rightangle and/or perpendicular to said surface of said first portion of saidprotruding member.
 21. The mount as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising at least two extensions in communication with said groove andextending from said first portion of said protruding member such that arecess is defined between said at least two extensions for said opticalstructure to be positioned therein.
 22. The mount as recited in claim21, wherein: said optical structure comprises at least one of a mirrorpanel, a reflective panel, a refractive panel and an optical filter; andsaid optical structure is centered in said recess.
 23. The mount asrecited in claim 21, wherein said at least two extensions are sized andshaped such that said at least two extensions at least one of: (i) donot extend outwardly beyond said first portion of said protrudingmember; and (ii) taper and/or slope inwardly away from said groovetowards said optical structure.
 24. The mount as recited in claim 1,said mounting structure comprising at least one of: (i) a threadedmember extending from said another structure for cooperative screwedattachment within a threaded opening in said base element; and (ii) athreaded member extending from said base element for cooperative screwedattachment within a threaded opening in said another structure.
 25. Themount as recited in claim 1, wherein said one or more stresses comprisesat least one of: connection and/or clamping stress in between said firstand second arms, stress from said tightening of said tightening element,stress from rotating said tightening element, stress passing throughsaid base element, stress passing through said upper element, stresspassing through said protruding member, sheer stress and rotationalstress.
 26. The mount as recited in claim 1, further comprising one ormore reliefs in communication with at least one of: (i) said firstopening, said one or more reliefs being positioned in/on a perimeter ofsaid first opening and said one or more reliefs operating to reducephysical contact between one or more surfaces of said protruding memberand one or more surfaces of said upper element of said mount, therebyreducing and/or eliminating transfer of one or more stresses betweensaid upper element of said mount and said protruding member; and (ii) atleast said second portion of said protruding member, said one or morereliefs being positioned in/on a perimeter of said at least said secondportion of said protruding member and said one or more reliefs operatingto reduce physical contact between one or more surfaces of saidprotruding member and one or more surfaces of said upper element of saidmount, thereby reducing and/or eliminating transfer of one or morestresses between said upper element of said mount and said protrudingmember.
 27. The mount as recited in claim 26, wherein: (i) said one ormore reliefs extend a predetermined distance radially from said firstopening towards an exterior of said upper element when said one or morereliefs are positioned in/on said perimeter of said first opening; and(ii) said one or more reliefs extend a predetermined distance radiallyfrom said at least second portion of said protruding member towards aninterior of said protruding member when said one or more reliefs arepositioned in/on said perimeter of said at least said second portion ofsaid protruding member.
 28. The mount as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid first portion of said protruding member has a surface that is incontact with said surface of said optical structure and said groove isspaced away from said optical structure such that said groove isdisposed at a location along said protruding member that is at apredetermined distance from said surface of said first portion.
 29. Amethod of mounting an optical structure, comprising the steps of:forming an optical structure comprising at least one mirror panel, saidat least one mirror panel having at least one reflective surface and atleast one back surface substantially opposite said reflective surface,wherein said back surface has a protruding member being part of a mountfor mounting said optical structure, said protruding member having afirst portion extending from said back surface of said opticalstructure, a second portion, and a groove defining said first and secondportions on each side of said groove such that said groove of saidprotruding member dissipates and/or eliminates one or more stressespassing through said mount and affecting said optical structure; formingan upper element of said mount comprising a first opening extendingtherethrough, such first opening forming two arms in said upper element,each of said two arms having a head portion and ending at an endthereof; sliding said first opening of said mount around/over at leastsaid second portion of said protruding member; and tightening said firstopening of said upper element of said mount around said at least saidsecond portion of said protruding member by inserting a tighteningmechanism into a second opening located through one of said headportions of said upper element and by further inserting and tighteningsaid tightening mechanism into a third opening in said other headportion of said upper element so that said tightening mechanism drawssaid two ends of said head portions toward each other.
 30. The method ofmounting an optical structure as recited in claim 29, further comprisingthe step of integrally forming said protruding member with at least oneof: said at least one mirror panel and said back surface of at least onemirror panel.
 31. The method of mounting an optical structure as recitedin claim 29, further comprising the step of bonding said first portionof said protruding member to said back surface of said at least onemirror panel.
 32. The method of mounting an optical structure as recitedin claim 29, said bonding comprising at least one of: fusing andadhering.
 33. The method of mounting an optical structure as recited inclaim 29, further comprising disposing said groove on said protrudingmember such that said first portion of said protruding member is smallerthan said second portion of said protruding member.
 34. The method ofmounting an optical structure as recited in claim 33, furthercomprising: placing a surface of said first portion of said protrudingmember in contact with said back surface of said optical structure; andsizing and/or shaping said surface of said first portion of saidprotruding member such that said surface of said first portion has atleast one of: (i) a smaller diameter than a lateral cross-section and/ora bottom surface of said second portion of said protruding member thatis disposed in said first opening of said upper element; and (ii) asmaller surface area than a lateral cross-section and/or a bottomsurface of said second portion that is disposed in said first opening ofsaid upper element.
 35. The method of mounting an optical structure asrecited in claim 33, further comprising sizing and/or shaping at leastone of said first portion of said protruding member and said secondportion of said protruding member such that said first portion of saidprotruding member has a smaller volume than said second portion of saidprotruding member.
 36. The method of mounting an optical structure asrecited in claim 29, further comprising the step of forming a baseelement of said mount with said upper element of said mount.
 37. Themethod of mounting an optical structure as recited in claim 36, saidbase element being formed integrally with said upper element.
 38. Themethod of mounting an optical structure as recited in claim 36, furthercomprising the step of forming supporting means for said base element ofsaid mount for securing said optical structure to a support structure.39. The method of mounting an optical structure as recited in claim 38,wherein said supporting means comprises at least one of: (i) a threadedmember extending from said support structure for cooperative screwedattachment within a threaded opening in said base element; and (ii) athreaded member extending from said base element for cooperative screwedattachment within a threaded opening in said support structure.
 40. Themethod of mounting an optical structure as recited in claim 29, furthercomprising sizing and/or shaping said groove such that the groove is atleast one of: (i) a space between said optical structure and at leastone of said second portion of said protruding member and said upperelement of said mount such that said optical structure is spaced awayfrom said at least one of said second portion of said protruding memberand said upper element; and (ii) operating to achieve and/or maintain atleast one of: dimensional stability, a predetermined degree of flatnessand a high degree of flatness of at least one of: about λ/10, aboutλ/15, about λ/20, about λ/30, between about λ/10 and about λ/15, betweenabout λ/10 and about λ/20, between about λ/10 and about λ/30, betweenabout λ/15 and about λ/20, between about λ/15 and about λ/30 and betweenabout λ/20 and about λ/30.
 41. The method of mounting an opticalstructure as recited in claim 29, further comprising: extending saidgroove of said protruding member along a perimeter of said first portionof said protruding member; and sizing and/or shaping said groove suchthat the groove is at least one of: (i) having a substantially circularshape; (ii) being of any geometric shape; and (iii) including at leastone of: one or more right angles, one or more slopes, one or morechamfered surfaces having a consistent slope, one or more chamferedsurfaces having a changing convex slope, one or more chamfered surfaceshaving a changing concave slope, and one or more tapers.
 42. The methodof mounting an optical structure as recited in claim 29, furthercomprising forming said groove at substantially a right angle such thata first portion of an outer surface of said protruding member extendsfrom said second portion of said protruding member inwardlysubstantially parallel to said surface of said first portion of saidprotruding member and a second portion of said outer surface of saidprotruding member extends from the first portion of said outer surfacevertically substantially at a right angle and/or perpendicular to saidsurface of said first portion of said protruding member.
 43. The methodof mounting an optical structure as recited in claim 29, furthercomprising: forming at least two extensions that are in communicationwith said groove and are extending from said first portion of saidprotruding member such that a recess is defined between the at least twoextensions for said optical structure to be positioned therein.
 44. Themethod of mounting an optical structure as recited in claim 43, furthercomprising sizing and/or shaping said at least two extensions such thatsaid at least two extensions at least one of: (i) do not extendoutwardly beyond said first portion of said protruding member; and (ii)taper and/or slope inwardly away from said groove towards said opticalstructure.
 45. The method of mounting an optical structure as recited inclaim 29, further comprising forming one or more reliefs such that saidone or more reliefs are in communication with at least one of: (i) saidfirst opening, said one or more reliefs being positioned in/on aperimeter of said first opening and said one or more reliefs operatingto reduce physical contact between one or more surfaces of saidprotruding member and one or more surfaces of said upper element of saidmount, thereby reducing and/or eliminating transfer of one or morestresses between said upper element of said mount and said protrudingmember; and (ii) at least said second portion of said protruding member,said one or more reliefs being positioned in/on a perimeter of said atleast said second portion of said protruding member and said one or morereliefs operating to reduce physical contact between one or moresurfaces of said protruding member and one or more surfaces of saidupper element of said mount, thereby reducing and/or eliminatingtransfer of one or more stresses between said upper element of saidmount and said protruding member.
 46. The method of mounting an opticalstructure as recited in claim 45, wherein said one or more reliefs areformed such that: (i) said one or more reliefs extend a predetermineddistance radially from said first opening towards an exterior of saidupper element when said one or more reliefs are positioned in/on saidperimeter of said first opening; and (ii) said one or more reliefsextend a predetermined distance radially from said at least secondportion of said protruding member towards an interior of said protrudingmember when said one or more reliefs are positioned in/on said perimeterof said at least said second portion of said protruding member.
 47. Themethod of mounting an optical structure as recited in claim 29, whereinsaid first portion of said protruding member has a surface that is incontact with said surface of said optical structure and said groove isspaced away from said optical structure such that said groove isdisposed at a location along said protruding member that is at apredetermined distance from said surface of said first portion.